1890-01-20 (144lbs) Harry Nickless w co 13 (finish) Alf Suffolk, South London School of Arms, Kennington, London, England. Referee: T. J. McNeil. Made at 145lbs but reported as being for the English 144lbs title, despite the opening three rounds being more or less even by the fourth Nickless (144) appeared to have the measure of Suffolk (143½), and although the latter came good in the seventh his left eye was fast closing. In the 11th, Suffolk, his left eye completely closed, was being punched around the ring at will and having been floored time was called, thus coming to his rescue. With Nickless in the driving seat he set about Suffolk in the 12th and following two knockdowns in that session the latter was knocked out by a blow to the neck in the 13th.

In November 1890, Diamond stated in the Sporting Life that he was the 144lbs English champion, while Nickless should only be recognised as the champion of London. A couple of weeks later Diamond was challenging Dick Burge at 146lbs.